Riders in this year’s Old Mutual joBerg2c mountain bike race, which kicks off from Karan Beef near Heidelberg just outside Johannesburg on April 22, will be treated to a route set to offer the ultimate rider experience.
The route rules on the international Old Mutual joBerg2c, a nine-day, 900km journey across South Africa that starts on April 22. Photos: Em Gatland
That doesn’t mean it is going to be easy. During the nine-day journey across South Africa, riders would still be tested to their limit, said organiser Craig Wapnick.
“It is still tough to ride 900km, but we’re confident we’ve ticked as many boxes as possible to provide the field with a good riding experience.”
Wapnick said the joBerg2c might well be the best way for mountain bikers from other countries to explore South Africa.
“Essentially the route is like taking a trip from the busy heart of the country’s economy to a more mellow environment on the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
“Just instead of taking the dual carriage-way N3, you pedal your way down a path less travelled.”
Wapnick called the route “more of a trail than only single-track” and said it was a fantastic way of seeing South Africa for riders fit enough to enjoy the journey.
Wapnick said he was especially looking forward to the all-new day six. “I believe it will be a big one because it is new and includes Harrison’s Pass with its 32 switchbacks.”
“We like to improve and make changes when necessary,” said Wapnick. “We thought that last year’s day six had too much road.
“Now it has proper variation. We think it is better, but let the riders be the judges.”
Stage four has been shortened by 20km, with riders finishing at the new village at Emseni, which also hosts Berg and Bush.
“With two back-to-back big days, we felt the day was compromised by the slog of the last bit into Winterton. Now we have day three over 110km and day four over 93km, which makes a huge difference.”
Wapnick said day five would be another big one, but their plan was to make the first 20km a neutral zone and to regroup in Winterton for the official start.
Unique features of the route are that it crosses four provinces – Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Free State – and engages the farming community.
“Getting things set up meant years of meeting farmers and learning to drink brandy and coke after a long day,” said Wapnick.
“For instance, on the dry run on day two we had to deal with over 44 gates.”
An important aspect of the joBerg2c is the support it provides to the local communities, who use the event as a fundraiser. They offer services at the eight race villages.
The main beach at Scottburgh will see the riders cycling in to a finish on April 30.
For more news, results and photos see joBerg2c.
